Mandatory Referrers

What is a "Mandatory Referrer"?

Mandatory Referrers include any employee who has the authority to address Title IX and Sex/Gender-Based Misconduct, has the duty to report such conduct to the institution, or whom a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty. At Appalachian, any faculty member, including those who supervise course labs, any employee of the University who has supervisory responsibilities, any employee of the Office of Human Resources, any employee in Athletics, and any employee of the University's Housing staff is considered a Mandatory Reporter.

Any Mandatory Referrer who obtains knowledge of conduct that falls under Title IX and Sex/Gender-Based Misconduct must share such information as promptly as possible, but in no event after seventy-two (72) hours to the Office of Title IX Compliance.

The primary purpose of making such a referral is to ensure that the person affected by the alleged Prohibited Conduct receives information about available resources and support, as well as processes to address the Prohibited Conduct. Mandatory Referrers will safeguard an individual's privacy, but may not promise confidentiality. Failing to report misconduct to the appropriate department inhibits the University’s responsibilities to ensure a safe, nondiscriminatory learning, living, and working environment.

To file a report, please complete this online form, email titleix@appstate.edu, call 828.262.2144, or visit the Office located in 123 IG Greer Hall.

I am a faculty member. Am I required to report information disclosed to me privately by a student?

Yes. Our students form important and influential connections with our faculty. Students view their faculty as trusted mentors and guides along their educational and professional journey. Because of this, students often look to their faculty for support and advice during times of distress. The primary purpose of making such a referral to the Office of Title IX Compliance is to ensure that the person affected by the alleged Prohibited Conduct receives information about available resources and support, as well as processes to address the Prohibited Conduct. Mandatory Referrers will safeguard an individual’s privacy, but may not promise confidentiality.

Why am I being required to complete training?

Appalachian State University values fostering a campus community that is safe and promotes the well-being of all individuals. Title IX and Sex/Gender-Based Misconduct are counter to our values institutionally.

Appalachian has policies and processes available to all Mountaineers, guests, and visitors to ensure every person is provided support, information, and resources to address any misconduct, redress its effects, and prevent its recurrence. These policies also identify Mandatory Referrers, those employees with heightened obligations to report alleged misconduct to the University. Going further, some department directors and institutional leadership wish to expand the working knowledge of Title IX to a broader employee audience.

Appalachian finds it important for employees to participate in active and ongoing training to ensure their awareness of federal, state, and campus laws, mandates, and policies regarding conduct and campus climate. Your participation and completion of this ongoing training is appreciated.

I am not a Mandatory Referrer. May I request to complete the training?

Yes. To request access to trainings by the Office of Title IX Compliance, please email titleix@appstate.edu.

I am an adjunct instructor. Am I required to complete the online training?

Yes. All faculty are designated as Mandatory Referrer, regardless of their contractual appointment.

I teach at a satellite campus. Am I required to complete the online training?

Yes. All faculty are designated as Mandatory Referrer, regardless of where they facilitate learning.

I teach only online courses. Am I required to complete the online training?

Yes. All faculty are designated as Mandatory Referrer, regardless of where they facilitate learning.

I am on phased retirement. Am I required to complete the online training?

Yes, if you are actively instructing courses.  All faculty are designated as Mandatory Referrers.

I am an SHRA employee. Am I required to complete the online training?

Yes, if you are a Mandatory Referrer and/or your supervisor/area leadership requests you complete this training. You have the responsibility to be informed and to ensure the campus community is a safe place for all to enjoy. The training will ensure your awareness of your obligations as an employee of Appalachian State University. Your supervisor is required to provide you with the time necessary to complete this training.

I am a temporary employee. Am I required to complete the online training?

Yes, if you are a Mandatory Referrer and/or your supervisor/area leadership requests you complete this training. You have the responsibility to be informed and to ensure the campus community is a safe place for all to enjoy. The training will ensure your awareness of your obligations as an employee of Appalachian State University. Your supervisor is required to provide you with the time necessary to complete this training.

I have a position on campus where I have limited access to a computer. Can I attend an in-person workshop to fulfill this training requirement?

Not at this time. Mandatory Referrer are asked to complete this online training program and are unable to substitute an alternative training or program to fulfill this requirement.

I have completed the face-to-face supervisor training on campus. Do I also have to complete the online training?

Yes. This online training program is required for all Mandatory Referrer in addition to any training programs they have completed in regards to Title IX. This online training provides up-to-date information regarding policies, procedures, and resources at Appalachian.

I have completed similar training at another institution or worksite and can provide evidence of its completion. Do I have to complete the online training?

Yes. This training program will provide you with information, policies, and resources relevant to your position at Appalachian State University.

I am a Mandatory Referrer currently on leave from Appalachian. Do I have to complete the online training?

Not until your leave from Appalachian has ended. We recognize the varying types of leave, adjustments, and off-campus scholarly assignments. Should you be on leave and have received the online training invitation, please contact the Office of Title IX Compliance to adjust this assignment. Mandatory Referrers on leave will not be required to complete the assigned training until after their leave has concluded. Further, the employee will be provided no less than 6-weeks to complete the online training. 

I am currently on leave from Appalachian. Do I have to complete the online training?

Not until your leave from Appalachian has ended. We recognize the varying types of leave, adjustments, and off-campus scholarly assignments. Should you be on leave and have received the online training invitation while on OCSA or FMLA leave, please contact the Office of Title IX Compliance to adjust this assignment. Mandatory Referrer on leave will not be required to complete the assigned training until after their leave has concluded. Further, the employee will be provided no less than 6-weeks to complete the online training.

I have also been asked to complete the Campus Security Authority training. Do I also have to complete the Title IX Online Training?

Yes. As defined by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1990 (Clery Act), Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) are individuals that have significant responsibility for student and campus activities and/or to whom a student or employee should report criminal offenses and student conduct. Examples of such individuals include, but are not limited to, University Police, academic counselors, athletic coaches, internship directors, building managers, center and office directors, student conduct board members, student organization advisors, and any faculty or staff member traveling with students for one or more nights for University-sponsored business or activities. CSAs are notified on an annual basis of their reporting obligations and receive regular training to assist them in understanding their responsibilities under the Clery Act.

If you have been contacted by the Clery Act Compliance Officer to complete Clery-specific training, please know that training provides insights to your obligations and requirements as a CSA as is required to be completed by the communicated deadlines. For additional assistance, please contact mcgowanwj1@appstate.edu.

I have been assigned this training in error as I no longer work in a capacity where I would be designated as a Mandatory Referrer. Do I have to complete this training?

No, if an error did in fact occur.  Should you believe you have been selected to complete this training in error, please supply this update to the Office of Title IX Compliance at titleix@appstate.edu. We will review this matter further. While we work on this, you may receive an auto-reminders until the matter is resolved. You will not be held responsible for completing the training if it was assigned to you in error. 

Other Protected Class Concerns

What should I do if I have an issue with other protected class status, such as age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, and/or veteran status?

Appalachian State University prohibits all forms of discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, political affiliation, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information, as is articulated in Policy 110. Should a concern involving sex or gender arise, individuals are encouraged to contact the Office of Title IX Compliance.

Should concerns exist revolving other areas of protected class status, the individual is encouraged to reach out to the most appropriate reporting body:

- Should a concern persist regarding a student's conduct or behavior, individuals are encouraged to report the information to the Office of Student Conduct
- Should a concern persist regarding an employee's conduct or behavior, individuals are encouraged to report the information to the Office of Human Resources
- Should a concern persist regarding a faculty member's conduct or behavior, individuals are encouraged to report the information to the Department Chair or the Dean of the respective college. 

The Office of Title IX Compliance is happy to refer issues or concerns regarding protected class status outside of sex or gender to the appropriate department. Please feel encouraged to complete the online Report a Concern form for this purpose.